Partnership aims to boost Northern Ireland's aerospace industries

The Northern Ireland government, ADS NI and Invest NI aim to grow the region's aerospace sectors

A strategy to secure the future prosperity of the Northern Ireland aerospace, defence,
security and space sectors has been launched by the government, ADS Northern Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Partnering for Growth strategy aims to more than double revenues from the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors in Northern Ireland to more than £2 billion per year. In doing so, it is hoped that these high-value sectors will increase direct employment from 8,000 to 12,000 in the next decade.

The strategy sets out six themes to develop the programme to achieve its 10-year goals. These include skills development, promoting research and development, supply chain excellence and expanding routes to market.

Dr Stephen Farry, employment and learning minster, said: "Improving the skills of our workforce, especially in STEM related subjects, is crucial if we are to boost productivity, increase employment levels and help grow our economy.

“We continue to work with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Invest Northern Ireland to make sure businesses and individuals have access to the skills they need to help Northern Ireland compete in the global marketplace."

The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors account for 20% of the region's exports.